Plans for a united opposition front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election have hit a roadblock as Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), categorically ruled out collaboration with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. Kwankwaso cited a lack of trust and past grievances as reasons for his decision.
Speaking during a BBC Hausa program, Kwankwaso dismissed rumours of a power-sharing pact with Atiku and Obi, describing the claims as baseless. He criticized what he called “manipulative tactics” by some politicians seeking to exploit northern sentiments for political gains, adding that he had no discussions with either Atiku or Obi regarding such an alliance.
The NNPP leader, a former governor of Kano State and 2023 presidential candidate, said his focus remains on governance and allowing federal and state administrations to work for the people. Kwankwaso warned against distracting governments with premature politicking, stressing that his decision to stay clear of any coalition stemmed from the PDP’s history of deception, which led to his and others’ defection from the party.
In a veiled reference to Atiku, Kwankwaso expressed disappointment that elder statesmen would spread falsehoods about a purported agreement involving him, Atiku, and Obi. He called the rumors insulting and reminiscent of the selfish power plays that destabilised the PDP and forced him, Obi, and others to leave the party.
Kwankwaso also questioned the credibility of those seeking northern support, asking, “What have they done for the North before?” He argued that any alliance discussions would require revisiting the history of past betrayals by PDP leaders who marginalised loyalists and humiliated key figures, including himself.
The NNPP leader concluded that while apologies from former allies might acknowledge past wrongs, they would not erase the pain of betrayal or justify renewed trust. For now, Kwankwaso appears determined to chart his political course independently, leaving the opposition’s unity aspirations in limbo.
